Volvo Adventure Programme- Deadline January 31, 2008

Volvo Adventure Programme- Deadline January 31, 2008 Arranged in collaboration with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) the Volvo Adventure Award rewards young people who run their own environmental projects. We are now looking for the 2008 winners – and the deadline of 31^st January 2008 is approaching. If you know of any groups of 13-16 year olds working on an environmental project they only have a few weeks to enter. All they have to do is register and enter your project now by visiting www.volvoadventure.org. By registering, they have the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the final in Sweden and the chance of a financial reward that could make it possible to run, improve or enhance your project. For young people it could be an adventure that offers a chance to make new friends all over the world, attract international attention and recognition for their project. We look forward to seeing your network’s projects! Good luck.

Ressources d’éducation à l’environnement en français

Ressources d’éducation à l’environnement en français - jeux interactifs et activités de nature French environmental education resources – interactive games and nature activities http://www.frapna.org/ Cliquez sur Campagnes Pédagogiques pour les jeux et activités “La rivière m’a dit…” “La forêt m’a dit…” “Nature sans frontiers” “Mare, où est tu?” “Le jeu de l’eau”

Gore's inspirational Nobel acceptance speech

Hi folks - The public focus on climate change is bringing to light the key messages that environmental educators have been giving through their teaching, in various ways and contexts, for decades now. Do yourself a favour and watch Al Gore's 22 minute Nobel acceptance speech at this website: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2007/gore-lecture.html It is a marvelous call to action, and truly inspirational. All the best in 2008. Onward! Gareth Thomson Executive Director, Alberta Council for Environmental Education 911 Larch Place, Canmore, AB T1W 1S5 ph: 403-678-0079 http://abcee.org/ Excerpts from Al Gore's speech: "As temperature extremes have increased, tens of thousands have lost their lives. We are recklessly burning and clearing our forests and driving more and more species into extinction. The very web of life on which we depend is being ripped and frayed.... In the years since this prize was first awarded, the entire relationship between humankind and the earth has been radically transformed. And still, we have remained largely oblivious to the impact of our cumulative actions. Indeed, without realizing it, we have begun to wage war on the earth itself. Now, we and the earth's climate are locked in a relationship familiar to war planners: "Mutually assured destruction." ... Now comes the threat of climate crisis ˆ a threat that is real, rising, imminent, and universal. Once again, it is the 11th hour. The penalties for ignoring this challenge are immense and growing, and at some near point would be unsustainable and unrecoverable. For now we still have the power to choose our fate, and the remaining question is only this: Have we the will to act vigorously and in time, or will we remain imprisoned by a dangerous illusion? Mahatma Gandhi awakened the largest democracy on earth and forged a shared resolve with what he called "Satyagraha" ˆ or "truth force." In every land, the truth ˆ once known ˆ has the power to set us free. Truth also has the power to unite us and bridge the distance between "me" and "we," creating the basis for common effort and shared responsibility. There is an African proverb that says, "If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." We need to go far, quickly. We must abandon the conceit that individual, isolated, private actions are the answer. They can and do help. But they will not take us far enough without collective action. At the same time, we must ensure that in mobilizing globally, we do not invite the establishment of ideological conformity and a new lock-step "ism.".. That means adopting principles, values, laws, and treaties that release creativity and initiative at every level of society in multifold responses originating concurrently and spontaneously. This new consciousness requires expanding the possibilities inherent in all humanity... These are the last few years of decision, but they can be the first years of a bright and hopeful future if we do what we must. No one should believe a solution will be found without effort, without cost, without change. Let us acknowledge that if we wish to redeem squandered time and speak again with moral authority, then these are the hard truths: The way ahead is difficult. The outer boundary of what we currently believe is feasible is still far short of what we actually must do. Moreover, between here and there, across the unknown, falls the shadow. That is just another way of saying that we have to expand the boundaries of what is possible. In the words of the Spanish poet, Antonio Machado, "Pathwalker, there is no path. You must make the path as you walk."

EnerAction Now Up and Running!

Bring energy conservation and efficiency projects to your Grades 4 to 7 classrooms with EnerAction. Eleven lesson plans, written by teachers for teachers, offer you a range of ways to make energy come to life in your classroom. Try the new Carbon Calculator! This innovative and interactive web-based lighting activity is a great tool for students. In one lesson, students investigate the costs in energy and in greenhouse gases to light their classrooms. They then identify ways to save energy and track their success. Students work alongside the Carbon Critter whose footprints grow larger when they use a lot of energy, and shrink when they save. Teachers can register with GreenLearning here: http://www.greenlearning.ca/register. To learn more about EnerAction got to: http://www.greenlearning.ca/eneraction. To visit the student website and try the Carbon Calculator go to: http://eneraction.greenlearning.ca/

Latest EECOM News online...

Greetings all Environmental Educators and Communicators...

Bonjour tous les spécialistes de l’environnement...

Visit www.eecom.org today for the latest issue of EECOM News!

Visitez www.eecom.org dès aujourd’hui pour lire le dernier numéro du bulletin d’EECOM!

Regards,

Natalie Swayze Executive Director Directrice executive Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication EECOM Reseau canadien d'education et de communication relatives a l'environnement

Canadian Journal of Environmental Education: Call for Papers

Correct version of Call for Papers for CJEE Volume 14, 'Inquiries into Practice.' Please disregard previously sent message"

Canadian Journal of Environmental Education

Call for Papers for Volume 14, 2009

Inquiries into Practice

Volume 14 of the Canadian Journal of Environmental Education aims to highlight the work of practitioners engaged in inquiring into practices of environmental education. Inviting contributions from K-12 education, post-secondary and adult education, community-based organizations, and other venues and locations of environmental education practice, this issue hopes to encourage critical and empathetic inquiry into the understandings and assumptions we work with, blind spots and hoped for future directions in our work, and possible generative dialogues and collaborations. Particularly in the face of the recent upsurge in popular support for environmental concerns in Canada and around the globe, and a growing awareness of relationships with social issues and cultural contexts within environmental education, it seems timely to take a careful and thoughtful look at our individual and collective practices. We also look forward to bringing together this issue of the journal in time to continue the conversation at the 5^th World Environmental Education Congress in Montreal, 10-14 May, 2009. We hope you will join us in inquiring into lessons learned, things unconsidered, challenges faced, and possible new directions for environmental education practice.

In the spirit of collaborative inquiry, CJEE would be happy to help facilitate writing partnerships between interested parties—if you have an idea and would like to discuss it or possibly be connected with a writing partner or team, please contact the guest editors. In order to publish this issue prior to the World Congress, the deadline for submissions is July 2008.

Please contact guest editors with expressions of interest and articles for review:

Marcia McKenzie

Department of Educational Foundations

College of Education

28 Campus Drive

Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X1

Canada, 306.966.7551

marcia.mckenzie@usask.ca

David A. Gruenewald

Department of Teaching and Learning

College of Education

Washington State University

Pullman, WA, 996164-2132

USA, 509.335.9188

greenwood@wsu.edu.

Invasive Species Funding

Funding through the IASPP is available for projects that address the threat of aquatic invasive species, terrestrial invasive alien plants and plant pests, and invasive alien animals. Projects supported by the program will:

• reduce the introduction and spread of IAS and address their pathways of invasion through prevention, detection, and management (eradication, containment, and control) activities;
• enable Canadians to become actively involved in projects that address the threat of IAS; and
• improve Canadians' understanding and awareness of IAS and the individual actions and choices which contribute to their introduction and spread.

http://www.recovery.gc.ca/IASPP-PPEEE/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.main&lang=E

BC Curriculum >> EE Planning Guide>>Exciting News for Yukon Teachers!

Website: URL for planning guide: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/environment_ed No matter what we’re learning in school, there is often, if not always, some connection to the environment. That’s the premise of a new environmental education planning guide whose lead author is David Zandvliet, an associate professor of science and environmental education in Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Education. The British Columbia Ministry of Education commissioned Zandvliet and other education experts to research and write Environmental Learning and Experience: An Interdisciplinary Guide for Teachers. Compiled over 16 months and based on interviews with educators in several school districts, the planning guide explains how Zandvliet and his research partners are enriching the environmental education content in K to 12 courses.

First, Zandvliet and his research partners are helping a team of K-12 teachers map the environmental content of existing courses in the education ministry’s mandated curriculum. Then, they will apply previously developed principles embodied in the metaphor C.A.R.E. to evaluate and integrate the mapped content into new or revised courses on the environment. C.A.R.E. stands for: Complexity: The examination of the complexity and interrelatedness of natural and human-created systems and human interaction with those systems. Aesthetics: The study of nature to develop students’ aesthetic appreciation of the environment. Responsibility: The study of a variety of disciplines, such as geography, history and technology, to foster student awareness of the impact of personal, community, societal and global decisions on the environment. Ethics:

The engagement of students in the ethical evaluation of choices and decisions underlying consumption and lifestyle patterns, technological change, population control and other hot button issues affecting the environment. The provincial ministry of education has contracted Zandvliet to lead three professional workshops to help teachers plan direct environmental experiences and enrich students’ evaluation of those experiences. “There’s a whole body of literature,” says Zandvliet, “on how direct experience affects observation, reflection and decision-making about environmental issues.”

The first workshop was held at the Vancouver Outdoor School in Brackendale on the North Shore on November 17 and 18. Two more workshops are planned: one on Vancouver Island in January and another in the Interior in March. SFU’s Learning & Instructional Development centre is helping Zandvliet put together a DVD of the workshops as a multi-media complement to the education ministry’s new report.

Le Grand Prix du Circuit vert

L’organisation des Prix canadiens de l'environnement vous invite à participer au Grand Prix du Circuit vert 2008!

Le Grand Prix du Circuit vert récompense des projets scolaires axés sur la protection, la conservation et la restauration de l’environnement au Canada. S’il se fait quelque chose de grand pour l’environnement à votre école, parlez-nous-en, et vous pourriez gagner un prix de 2 500 $ du Groupe Financier Banque TD en guise de soutien à un projet écologique à votre école. Cinq autres gagnants dans les catégories Cadets et Ados recevront un caméscope numérique offert par Panasonic Canada. Toutes les écoles participantes recevront un abonnement d’un an à Canadian Geographic.

Les grands gagnants dans les catégories Cadets et Ados seront invités au gala des Prix canadiens de l’environnement à Toronto, le 2 juin 2008.

Pour en savoir davantage ou pour présenter un projet écologique, cliquez www.canadiangeographic.ca/pce2008

Le Grand Prix du Circuit vert se termine le 1^er mars 2008.

Green Team Challenge recognizes school-based projects

The Canadian Environment Awards invites you to join The Green Team Challenge 2008!

The Green Team Challenge recognizes school-based projects that are protecting, preserving and restoring Canada’s environment. Tell us how your class or environmental club is bringing a green dream to life, and you could win $2,500 from TD Bank Financial Group to support an environmental initiative at your school. Five runners-up in each of the Junior and Senior categories will receive digital video camcorders from Panasonic Canada. All participating schools receive a year-long subscription to Canadian Geographic.

The Junior and Senior Grand Prize winners will be invited to attend the Canadian Environment Awards Gala on June 2, 2008, in Toronto.

For complete details or to post your green game plan, visit http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/cea2008/gt.asp

The Green Team Challenge closes on March 1, 2008

Int'ERE.net du 25 octobre 2007 (QC EE bulletin

Chers éducateurs et partenaires ! Au sommaire de l’Int’ERE.net ce mois-ci :

• Des écoles québécoises intègrent l’environnement avec succès ! ;
• T'es vert...t'es en santé ?
• Défi-jeunesse 2007 : Marchons vers l'école ! ;
• Un Parcours... pour passer à l'action ! Une stratégie d'action en développement durable pour les jeunes du secondaire;
• Programme de bourses d'études Toyota – Jour de la Terre 2008;
• Nouveauté à l'UQAR: un baccalauréat en chimie de l'environnement et des bioressources;
• Virage vert au camp YMCA Kanawana;
• Un appel aux héros écolos marque le lancement annuel des
• Prix canadiens de l'environnement;
• Un pas de plus vers une gestion responsable et durable du parc de la forêt ancienne du mont Wright;
• Les ZICO du Québec : faites la découverte de sites merveilleux ;
• L'écolo écono…ou devenir écolo sans vider son porte-monnaie ;
• Programme de lecture et de conscientisation à l'environnement et à la biodiversité, 2e édition ;
• Porcheries ! La porciculture intempestive au Québec ;
• Pour une bonne pratique du chauffage au bois ;
• Lectures d'un vert enrichi ;
• Vivre vert : Le Pouvoir d'Agir ;
• Cabaret Rivières, invitation à la soirée bénéfice de la Fondation Rivières ;
• SYMBIOSE - Approche Scientifique de l'Architecture Bioclimatique ;
• Offre d'emploi ;
• Opinion : Sensibiliser ou légiférer : Est-ce vraiment la question à se poser ? Par Hugues Harry Lhérisson

Le tout au : http://www.aqpere.qc.ca/bulletin/intere-251007.htm Envoyez vos petites nouvelles à l’éditrice du bulletin avant le 26 novembre 2007 pour la parution du vendredi 30 novembre. Au plaisir de vous voir au Colloque en ERE de Montréal le 9 novembre !

L’équipe de l’AQPERE

Association québécoise pour la promotion de l’éducation relative à l’environnement

FORUM JEUNESSE LIGUE ÉCOLO/ECOLEAGUE YOUTH FORUM

FORUM JEUNESSE LIGUE ÉCOLO (English below)

L'éducation au service de la Terre invite les élèves, les enseignants et les groupes communautaires aux Forums jeunesse Ligue écolo.

• Ligue ecolo incite les élèves du primaire à travers le pays à s'engager à des projets d'action, dans la communauté et à l'école, qui portent sur des questions environnementales qui les touchent.
• Ligue écolo aide les enseignants à atteindre les objectifs du programme d'études par des activités d'apprentissage fortement attirantes, centrées sur l'environnement.
• Ligue écolo invite les organisations communautaires et les bénévoles à travailler avec les écoles afin de les aider à mieux comprendre les questions et d'épauler leurs projets d'action.

Cet automne, les Forums jeunesse Ligue écolo auront lieu à Calgary et à Montréal.

• Forum Ligue écolo de Calgary: le mercredi 14 novembre 2007
• Forum Ligue écolo de Montréal: le lundi 26 novebre 2007

Pour plus d'infos, ou pour vous inscrire, veuillez visiter www.ligueecolo.ca or envoyer un courriel à lidija@lsf-lst.ca

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ECOLEAGUE YOUTH FORUM Learning for a Sustainable Future invites students, teachers, and community groups to Ecoleague Youth Forums.

• Ecoleague challenges and motivates elementary students to engage in inspiring and rewarding community and school-based action projects that focus on environmental issues that directly affect them.
• Ecoleague assists teachers in meeting curriculum expectations through highly engaging and environmentally-focused learning activities
• Ecoleague engages community organizations and volunteers to work with schools in understanding the issues and supporting their action projects.

This fall, Ecoleague forums will be held in Calgary and Montreal.

• Calgary Ecoleague Forum: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
• Montreal Ecoleague Forum: Monday, November 26, 2007

For more information and to register, visit www.ecoleague.ca or email lidija@lsf-lst.ca

Species at Risk Online Resources -- Parks Canada

Good morning everyone, Hope all is well at your site/park! Just a quick note to let you know that we now have an awesome tool for Science teachers teaching Species at Risk. You will find below the links to 2 ppt presentations that were created by Joanne Tuckwell, our Species at Risk coordinator from the WNSC. The first presentation is geared to grades 4 to 6 and the second presentation is for grades 7 to 9 ( for SK,MB, AB). Joanne has done a fantastic job with these presentations, with great images and content related to the science curriculum in the 3 prairie provinces. Please have a look at these resources when you have a minute, and remember to share them with your teachers! Here are the links to the 2 ppt presentations: http://www.pc.gc.ca/apprendre-learn/prof/sub/eep-sar/index1_e.asp http://www.pc.gc.ca/apprendre-learn/prof/sub/eep-sar/index2_e.asp To find these powerpoint presentations on the Teacher's Corner, simply click on More Parks Canada Resources and select Science. There you will find the 2 titles (Species at Risk and their Habitats) & (Ecosystems and Species at Risk). Lise Boiteau Education Specialist Parks Canada Sask/Man

Wild Ed available for free in Yukon

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Attention Whitehorse Teachers: Get Into Nature with WildED!
WildED delivers FREE Nature Education Programs to classes from grade 4 to 12. Our educators are locally based, professional teachers with backgrounds in natural sciences and outdoor education. Meet key learning outcomes in science, social studies, geography, and outdoor education with WildED’s curriculum-linked, experiential programs. WildED engages students, invokes critical thought, and can be tailored to match your teaching goals. Key learning themes include: Conservation and the importance of nature, parks, and wilderness Ecosystems and landscapes Plants and animals Experience Our FREE programs! In-School Programs (half or full day) Bring nature alive right in your classroom with spectacular images, interactive games, and hands-on outdoor activities. Outdoor Programs (full day) Nature provides the ultimate classroom! Our interpretive nature hikes allow students to actively explore while learning about nature, parks and wilderness. Workshops and Educational Resources for Teachers WildED’s workshops offer an opportunity to learn more about integrating nature education into your curriculum, and provide the resources to do so. HOW TO BOOK a WildED Program: Send an email to bookings@wilded.org Include your name, school name, phone number, email address Specify grade level and number of students in your class An educator will contact you to confirm a date	"The pictures were amazing...like something you would see out of a National Geographic magazine, and seeing that you went to those places was really cool." Maggie, grade 12 "The stories...will inspire (students) to take physical challenges themselves. We have had 3 staff members who have planned major hikes since the slide show. I have renewed my commitment to taking action(s) to protect the environment. Thank you for doing what you do for our students and 'their environment'." Elementary Teacher
More information: www.wilded.org 1-888-732-0509 bookings@wilded.org Please note: Programs are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Book early to avoid disappointment!

NASA's Earth Observatory website

A great resource for images and details on Natural Hazards of the earth is NASA's Earth Observatory website (hope this is not a duplicate posting from the past): http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/ I find the ice melt images and details useful and the volcano images just down right amazing! I subscribe to this service on my igoogle "news" page which makes accessing current topics very easy. Hope your day is going well, Mary Ellen

Track Spring's Journey North...

Track Spring's Journey North: Migrations, Mystery Schools, Climate, More

Teachers and students in K-12 classrooms are invited to participate this spring in Journey North's 15th annual global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. A free Internet-based "citizen science" project, Journey North enables students in 11,000 schools to watch the wave of spring as it unfolds. Students monitor migration patterns of monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, whooping cranes, and other animals; the blooming of plants; and changing sunlight, temperatures, and other signs of spring. They share their local observations with classmates across North America and beyond, and look for patterns on real-time maps. As they put local observations into a global context - and connect with field scientists - participants are better prepared to explore indicators and implications of a changing climate. Each Journey North study features many entry points and resources that address learning standards: Journey North for Kids reading booklets and lessons, stunning photos and video clips, weekly migration updates, interactive maps, and compelling migration "stories." Thanks to Annenberg Media, Journey North Web site access and participation is free. Visit the site for details: http://www.learner.org/jnorth. Plan now; spring projects begin February 1st! (Editors: We will gladly provide 72 dpi digital photos on request.)

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What Participating Teachers Say About Journey North "Journey North brings what we teach in the classroom into the real world realm for the students. The data collection, graphing, challenge questions, and information are first-rate. I love to watch the children gain a deeper understanding of the concepts incorporated in this program as the weeks progress. As a busy teacher, this is very do-able."

"In 26 years of teaching, this is the best program I have seen for integrating math, science, reading, and even social studies. It motivates students and gives them a chance to develop and use skills in a real world situation." "

The best thing about Journey North is that you can get involved on any level that works for you!"

"One of the greatest challenges for teachers is to get children to think collaboratively. Journey North activities are so strong, they not only teach content well, but teach children how to think."

"Journey North makes it possible for my land-locked urban school to participate in worldwide, real-time science, geography, and cultural experiences that broaden our perspectives and unite us with other students and teachers. The reading and writing connections are an excellent new addition. . . . We became involved with the symbolic butterflies, and concerned about the real ones. The activities and hearing from the experts and Mexican students made us feel like we were there! We all felt more connected to the world around us and more aware of our responsibilities to that world."

"We loved Mystery Class! My students would come into the classroom asking if I had received a new e-mail from Journey North. Every Friday we posted new sunrise and sunset data and I never had to tell them to come in and get started; they were in their groups working as soon as they walked in the room. Thank you so much for a wonderful, easy ongoing project!"

Notes about Cohen and Ecopyschology

From Larry Gray, presenter at the Environmental Education Association of the Yukon meeting on Thursday: As mentioned at the meeting, there is a great article explaining the Cohen approach to ecopsychology. It's in the online journal Trumpeter: (http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet) You have to register to read the articles but once you do, you can search the archives for Volume 19 Number 2 2003. The URL for the article is located at: http://trumpeter.athabascau.ca/index.php/trumpet/article/view/94/97 Also, in answer to a question from Michelle, I don't think I explained very well how the books are used to facilitate and develop the nature-connecting process. Here'a a very brief outline of the books: 1. The Web of Life Imperative: An introduction to ecopsychology, focusing on helping people realize the extent to which they have been culturally trained to perceive nature in ceratin ways. Each chapter has experiential activities to foster a direct experience of the natural world. 2. Reconnecting With Nature: Finding Wellness Through Restoring Your Bond with the Earth: This book/course builds on the introductory one and includes a description of the 53-sense model of how nature works. In includes a lot of the theory/concepts behind Mike's approach, including such things as "Tropicmaking", "New Brain versus Old Brain", "the Green/Orange to Green/Green process" (see the Trumpeter article for good explanations of these and other unique Cohen terms!) Experiential activities with each chapter strengthen one's bond with nature and allow the reader to distinguish a direct sensory experience from a story they may have been told. 3. Well Mind, Well Earth: Lots of activities and short readings to deepen, strengthen and integrate everything learned in the first 2 courses. Thanks Larry for your presentation and this info!

Sunlight Eco-Action Kids Awards

TORONTO, Oct. 10 - Canadian young people who are helping the environment will get some recognition for their efforts through the first national environmental kids awards launched today. Kids between the ages of six and 12 years old who are working to make an environmental difference in their communities are eligible for The Sunlight Eco-Action Kids Awards.

Canadian youth are passionate about the environment, according to a panel of kids who got together recently to share their thoughts and dreams for a better planet. After hearing about their concerns and learning about all the ideas they have for protecting our planet, Sunlight Multi-Action created the Awards. The purpose of the awards is to give Canadian kids a chance to share their ideas and raise awareness about what any individual can do to help ensure the future health of our environment.

"I think that in a few years, if we don't do anything, the world will go wrong. We only have one earth so we should use it well," said Maddy, age 11. When six-year-old Harrison was shown an image of environmental damage, he said, "it makes me scared."

The Awards are supported by key environmental organizations including Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), Evergreen, the Pembina Institute, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Pollution Probe and Zerofootprint. Experts from these groups will act as judges.

To enter, kids between the ages of six and 12 submit a letter outlining their contributions to helping protect the planet. Winners in three different age groups (6-7 years, 8-9 years and 10-12 years) will receive the title of ultimate Eco-Action Kid and join a community of young people investing their time and energy to protect the earth. Each winner will also receive $1,000 to donate to the environmental charity of their choice and a $1,000 cash award.

The entry deadline is January 21, 2008. The judges will select finalists from six regions across the country by February 7, 2008. National winners will be announced March 27, 2008.

More information about the Awards and rules and regulations can be found by visiting www.sunlightecoactionkids.ca.

"The Sunlight Eco-Action Kids Awards will educate people about the small steps that they can take to help the environment," says Todd Allen of Sunlight Multi-Action. "By encouraging kids to step up, we hope we will raise both awareness and action among other kids and adults as well."

The Awards sponsored by Sunlight Multi-Action extend the product's important contribution to the environment. The three times concentrated detergent has dramatically reduced the amount of water used and has lowered gas emissions through major reductions in packaging and transportation. This year alone in Canada, Sunlight Multi-Action saved 2,201,000 liters of water, 896,000 square feet of cardboard, 173,000 pounds of plastic and 120,000 liters of diesel gas.

Background information and additional facts can be found at www.sunlightecoactionkids.ca

Edutopia Magazine --EE focus this month

Some great articles, all available electronically at this page: http://www.edutopia.org/magazine/oct07. A publication of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. One example article: Constructive Ways to Teach About Climate Change

A Climate of Hope: Helping Children Respond Productively to Global Warming

The terrifying consequences of global warming can spur student action, and not just despair.

IPY Webcast Oct 19/ Some Resources

October 19 -Earth Science Week International Polar Year (IPY) Videoconference Middle and high school students and teachers are invited to participate in The Science of IPY, an interactive one-hour videoconference hosted by local science centers on October 19, 2007. Scientists from the International Polar Year Programme Office and NASA’s Cryospheric Sciences Branch will take participants on a virtual tour of Earth’s polar regions and explore some of the key questions that scientists are trying to answer about how the poles are changing. The conference will include a question-and-answer period with featured scientists. Participants will convene at select science centers in the eastern U.S., the United Kingdom, and France. http://www.earthsciweek.org/newsletter/July2007.html Consumers Guide to Afterschool Science Resources The Consumers Guide to Afterschool Science Resources contains reviews of high-quality, hands-on science content for afterschool programs. It provides a wide range of after school activities, curricula, and more. Reviewed materials include semester- and year-long curricula, activity kits, instructor guides consisting of many related activities, and websites that offer content appropriate for afterschool programs. Users are able to search and sort entries by title, subject, grade level, audience, and cost. A brief description of each resource is accompanied by two expert reviewers' detailed commentary. http://www.sedl.org/afterschool/guide/science/index.html Earth Matters: Studies for Our Global Future The Population Connection is updating the secondary curriculum, Earth Matters: Studies for Our Global Future, and offers the second edition free for downloading on its website, including all readings and activities. Units include Population Dynamics, Climate Change, Water Resources, and more. http://www.populationeducation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=443&Itemid=2

Schools for a Living Planet....WWF ed resource

WWF-Canada is thrilled to announce the official launch of Schools for a Living Planet, an educational program that provides educators with access to over 30 curriculum-linked, printable in-class activities for grades 3 to 8. Each grade’s unit has a unique environmental theme with material carefully designed to meet curriculum expectations in English, Social Studies and Science.

Our Schools for a Living Planet program can help you give your students the knowledge they need to make a difference in our planet’s future. And it's easy to use - download what you want, when you want, the choice is yours!

Sign-up for Schools for a Living Planet today and bring the power of the environment into your classroom. For more information about this FREE program, visit wwf.ca/schools.

Consume Less, Work Less: Student Videos

According to Alternatives Journal in Canada, Professor Charles Dobson of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design "asked first year students to create a 30-second Public Service Announcement with the message: If you consume less, you can work less." To get an A in the course, students had to upload their video to YouTube and get over 10,000 hits. About half of the videos are getting As, and the message reached about 150,000 people, mainly youths.

First video to reach 10,000 views >> Dobson’s favorite >>

THE SEVENTEENTH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PAINTING COMPETITION ON THE ENVIRONMENT

UNEP has launched the 17th International children's painting competition. The Competition is organized annually by the UNEP and the Japan-based Foundation for Global Peace and Environment (FGPE), Bayer and Nikon Corporation. It has been held since 1991 and has received over 190,000 entries from children in over 100 countries. This year’s Competition will focus on Climate Change: Actions we can take now. The selection process will be in two stages; the regional selection which will be done by UNEP Regional Offices and their partners, and the global selection which will be done by UNEP and its partners, Foundation for Global peace and Environment (FGPE), Bayer and Nikon Corporation. For more details on the Competition please visit <http://www.unep.org/Tunza/paintcomp/>

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Joyce Sang Programme Assistant - Outreach Unit United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Division of Communications and Public Information (DCPI) web: http://www.unep.org

At School | What You Can Do | Climate Change | U.S. EPA

At School | What You Can Do | Climate Change | U.S. EPA: Students, educators and school administrators can all play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here is a directory of some education and action planning resources to help you...

At School | What You Can Do | Climate Change | U.S. EPA

At School | What You Can Do | Climate Change | U.S. EPA: Students, educators and school administrators can all play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here is a directory of some education and action planning resources to help you...

Tunza International Children's Conference on the Environment

Tunza International Children's Conference on the Environment Stavanger, Norway 17-21 June 2008 Theme: A Climate for change

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will be organizing its Tunza International Children's Conference on the Environment in Stavanger, Norway from 17 to 21 June 2008. It will bring together 1,000 children aged 10 to 14 years, to learn about the environment through plenary sessions, hands-on workshops and field trips. The Conference will increase the children's understanding of environmental issues by providing them with a forum to share experiences and collectively voice their concerns for the environment. The themes of the Conference include, Energy, Bio-diversity, Resources and water. For more information on the Conference, and to submit a nomination from your organization please visit our website: http://www.unep.org/tunza/children/events/icc_2008/, For further information on the conference, please contact: The Children and Youth / Sport and the Environment Unit Division of Communications and Public Information United Nations Environment Programme P.O. Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 -20- 762 3937 / 762 5066, Fax: +254 -20-762 3927/ 762 4350 Email: children.youth@unep.org .

Quantum Shift TV Video Contest for Schools

YouTube with a Conscience: Innovative Web Broadcaster Asks Kids to Be the Change

• Quantum Shift TV video contest challenges K-12 students across North America to document their social and environmental projects
• Winning schools to receive US$200,000 in cash and prizes
• Electronic Press Kit available at: http://quantumshift.tv/schools/press

CALGARY - An innovative new Web broadcaster is using the power of the Internet to inspire children and youth in schools across North America to make a difference. Quantum Shift TV is challenging students from grades one to twelve across the United States and Canada to participate in the Be the Change! Share the Story! School Video Contest. Students are invited to work on a social or environmental project of their choice, and document their progress in two short videos to be uploaded on the Web. In addition to making a difference in their community, students have an opportunity to win up to $50,000 in prizes for their school. Through this contest, Quantum Shift TV is building an online community focused on socially conscious, solution-oriented videos. An entertaining puzzle game woven into the contest stimulates cross-pollination of ideas by encouraging youth to watch each others videos. Teams receive points for social network activity as well as viewer ratings of their videos. Were harnessing three powerful cultural forces: youth social action, Internet gaming and the explosion of online video and digital storytelling. says Hugo Bonjean, the founder and CEO of Quantum Shift TV. As weve seen with YouTube, Web video has a powerful ability to engage audiences, particularly youth, around the world. Quantum Shift TV is using this power to inspire students to take action on the social and environmental issues of the day. Projects can range from volunteering at a homeless shelter to educating the community about human rights, measuring a schools carbon footprint to building a hospital in a developing country - anything that addresses an environmental or social concern in a positive, solution-oriented way. Student teams will execute their project and document their progress in a series of two short videos. The first video, introducing the teams project, must be uploaded to QuantumShift.tv by December 15, 2007. The second, reporting on the projects execution and results, is due by March 31, 2008. Teams will be ranked based on Web metrics such as number of views on their videos, viewer ratings, puzzles completed and social network activity. In May, the 25 top-ranked videos in each age category - Elementary (grades 1-6), Junior (7-9) and Senior (10-12) - will be reviewed by a panel of celebrity judges who will select the 3 finalists in each age group and invite the public to choose the winners. Judges include bestselling author and environmentalist Paul Hawken, actress Pleasant Wayne, skateboarder Bob Burnquist, executive-with-a-cause John Wood, Bioneers founder Kenny Ausubel and Nigerian womens rights activist Hafsat Abiola. Winners will be chosen based on community involvement, project execution, video quality, and overall social and environmental impact. To provide project ideas and resources for both students and teachers, Quantum Shift TV has partnered with key organizations like UNICEF, Free the Children, Room to Read, TransFair, NAAEE, TakingITGlobal, The Pembina Institute, New Global Citizens, Sierra Youth Coalition, Rainforest Action Network, Care and Oxfam. Bonjean anticipates that this contest will mobilize some 100,000 kids across the United States and Canada to act on thousands of social and environmental projects. This contest will serve as a catalyst for youth engagement and activism as youth learn from and are inspired by each other, he added. For teachers and educational professionals, Be the Change is a project-based tool to teach their students about social and environmental issues that can easily be incorporated into curricula. Students and educators can find out more and sign up for the contest at http://www.quantumshift.tv/schools. Online Journalists, be aware that sample videos including embed code, images, and other digital assets are available in our Electronic Press Kit at http://quantumshift.tv/schools/press, and downloadable at http://quantumshift.tv/schools/press/EPK.zip Quantum Shift TV is a 21st Century storyteller renewing the cultural values of community, care and interconnectedness via a quality citizen journalism platform that integrates Web videos with games to create an active and engaging experience for its audience. Founded in early 2007, Quantum Shift TV is based in Calgary, Alberta, with a virtual team of experienced filmmakers, journalists, and entrepreneurs spread across Canada and the United States . CONTACT: Mike Harris Leif Utne, VP Sales & Mantaray Creative MarketingQuantum Shift TV 403.233.9253 612.326.5256 mike@mantaraycreative.com eif@quantumshift.tv EPK:quantumshift.tv/schools/press

Green Energy TV

Green Energy TV is an Online Television Channel that is dedicated to airing Green/Alternative/Renewable Energy videos for millions of viewers around the world to see. Green Energy TV is passionate about sharing innovative ideas to help educate individuals and organizations of all sizes to use cleaner alternatives in their every day environment. It is a virtual community that offers free educational videos on these innovations and on topics like, "What is Geothermal Energy?", the biodiesel revolution, and much more. Browse the online information sheets and video library, or upload a video of your own about your use, innovations, or support of green energy. http://www.greenenergytv.com/

NOLS Risk Management Training

Greetings from the National Outdoor Leadership School! For professionals in the outdoor and recreation industries, evaluating risks and preparing for the unexpected is an important part of daily business. If being as prepared as you can be is important to you, you might be interested in a new training opportunity in your region. The two-day NOLS Risk Management Training provides an excellent opportunity to develop a personalized action plan that will enhance your risk management practices organizationally and professionally. For more information please visit the web site at: http://www.nols.edu/nolspro/seminars/risk_management_seminar.shtml This coming fall with have three Risk Management Trainings scheduled in the following locations: October 2-3: pre-conference to Adventure Travel World Summit in Whistler, B.C., Canada Oct. 22-23: pre-conference to the Wilderness Risk Management Conference in Banff, Alb., Canada We look forward to hearing from you! NOLS Professional Training 1-800-710-NOLS x 3 Liz Tuohy Risk Management Senior Consultant, NOLS Professional Training 307-335-2217 Please join us in Banff, Canada, October 24-26, for the 2007 Wilderness Risk Management Conference (http://www.nols.edu/wrmc/).

Potpourri: contests and grants and more!

Deadline: September 14, 2007 Earth Day Network is working with high schools to win global warming victories nationwide. EDN members are eligible to become Climate Change Educators and receive stipends of $500 for their work to help their high schools reach a global warming victory through policy and action. http://earthday.net/programs/teachers/climatechangeeducators.aspx September 1, 2007 - April 30, 2008 QuantumShift.tv, a Web TV network featuring solution-oriented news, documentaries, and entertainment, is challenging students and teachers at all K-12 schools in the US and Canada to document their work on a social or environmental project through a series of short videos over the 2007-08 school year. The winning schools will receive a prize package worth $50,000 in cash and educational resources. Participants document their progress in four short videos that will be uploaded on QuantumShift.tv every two months from September-April. http://quantumshift.tv/schools

18th Annual Bioneers Conference ~ California

October 19-21, 2007 ~ San Rafael, California (or in one of 20 simultaneous conferences near you) Come learn, network and connect! The Bioneers Conference is an annual gathering of scientific and social innovators who demonstrate visionary and practical models for restoring the Earth and communities. Leading change-makers—from scientists to business owners to teachers to artists—will present ideas and solutions for a better planet. CEU’s are available at most conference locations.

Speakers include: Paul Anastas – “Green Chemistry: From Here to Sustainability” Majora Carter – “Greening the Ghetto” Jay Harmon – “Biomimicry: Designing the Next Golden Age”

Explore what is available for educators at Bioneers >> http://www.bioneers.org/education http://www.bioneers.org/conference

PBS Environmental Series for Grades 6-12

The Journey to Planet Earth video series has been re-edited for grades 6-12 to help teachers explain to students the science behind some of the alarming world headlines. Receive a 30-day free preview of the entire 10-episode series or individual episodes, by emailing screenscope@screenscope.com -- with your name, institutional mailing address, and phone number. http://www.pbs.org/journeytoplanetearth

Scientific Facts on Ecosystem Change

A "synthesis" of multiple independent reports that answers high-level questions like: "How have ecosystems and their services changed? How have these changes affected human well-being? How might ecosystems change in the future, and what are the implications for human well-being?" The individual reports were mostly spatially partitioned into different areas of the world, and answered those questions in ways appropriate for the participating institutions. Also, available an easy-to-read version from Greenfacts >>

http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/index.aspx

Earth Charter Center of Education for Sustainable Dev't

During its 32nd General Conference in October 2003, UNESCO adopted a resolution "recognizing the Earth Charter as an important ethical framework for sustainable development." Educators worldwide, from primary schools to universities have been using the Earth Charter in many ways as it offers a clear vision of sustainability. Learn more about the Earth Charter, programs and activities, and new educational materials developed to help bring the notion of sustainability to classrooms. http://www.earthcharter.org

Portail de l'ERE

Portail de l'ERE: "Portail de l’éducation relative à l’environnement du Québec. Ce répertoire met à votre disposition les sites d'intérêt écologique dotés d'un accompagnement pédagogique, les personnes ressources disponibles pour donner de la formation, les outils et matériels pédagogiques créés au Québec, les projets porteurs transférables. Il regroupe plus de 200 organismes, près de 100 formateurs et plus de 500 ressources répartis sur l'ensemble du territoire québécois."

Sound Clips, of Various Animals, free!

Sound Clips This page from the US Fish and Wildlife Service offers mp3 clips of many birds, and mammals including wolves, bears, and bats!!

Promise of Place | Enriching Lives Through Place-Based Education

Promise of Place | Enriching Lives Through Place-Based Education: "Place-based education is a holistic approach to education, conservation and community development that uses the local community as an integrating context for learning at all ages. It fosters vibrant partnerships between schools and communities to both boost student achievement and improve community health and vitality--environmental, social and economic. Project-focused and inherently tailored by local people to local realities, place-based education is relevant to anyone, anywhere. This website offers the inspiration, networking, resources and evidence you need to launch or strengthen your place-based education work."

Journey North: Schools Tracking Wildlife Migration

Journey North: A Global Study of Wildlife Migration: Monarch Butterfly

Free Online Project: Students Track Seasons, Animal Migrations, Climate Change

Teachers and students in K-12 classrooms are invited to participate this fall in Journey North’s 15th annual global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. One of the nation’s premier Internet-based “citizen science” projects, Journey North enables students in 11,000 schools to track the seasons on a real-time basis. Students monitor migration patterns of monarch butterflies, bald eagles, whooping cranes, and other animals; the budding of plants, changing sunlight, temperature patterns, other natural events. They share their local observations with classmates across North America and analyze current and long-term data from other classroom and professional scientists. As they do so, participants are better prepared to recognize indicators of climate change and consider its implications. Each Journey North study features many entry points and resources that address learning standards: Journey North for Kids reading booklets and lessons with stunning photos and video clips, weekly migration updates, interactive maps, connections with field scientists, and compelling migration “stories.” The studies help students fit local observations and inquiries into a global context. Thanks to a grant from Annenberg Media, Journey North Web site access and participation is free. Visit the Journey North Web site for details: http://www.learner.org/jnorth.

Youth Service Day Lead Agencies Grants

Deadline: September 17, 2007

Youth Service America is accepting applications from U.S. and Canadian organizations wishing to serve as Lead Agencies for Global Youth Service Day 2008. Lead Agencies are organizations that increase the scope, visibility, and sustainability of Global Youth Service Day by leading city, regional, or statewide service projects and receive a $2,000 planning grant. Sponsored by the State Farm Companies Foundation. http://ysa.org/GYSD/LeadAgency/tabid/177/Default.aspx

New Canadian Online database of EE materials (bilingue)

Sharing Resources for a Change

Are you looking for teaching resources that challenge students to engage in the environmental, social, and economic issues facing their communities? Visit www.resources4rethinking.ca and discover tools for active, relevant, and interdisciplinary teaching and learning.

www.resources4rethinking.ca is a new online database where educators and the general public can search for the highest quality, peer-reviewed, curriculum-aligned teaching resources on issues related to the development of an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable society.

www.resources4rethinking.ca allows teachers to search by:

• Sustainability issue or keyword
• Subject and grade
• Language (English/French)

www.resources4rethinking.ca identifies hundreds of print, electronic, and audio/visual resources that teachers can use to facilitate engaging activities related to sustainability issues. Such resources may be published by commercial publishers, non-profit organizations, government agencies or teachers themselves.

www.resources4rethinking.ca will be launched on August 20^th, 2007, just in time for back-to-school lesson planning. For more information, contact Natalie Gibb, ngibb@lsf-lst.ca or toll-free 1.877.250.8202.

Disponible en français | www.ressourcespourrepenser.ca

A Change in the Air: Distance Learning on Climate Change

The Biosphère is now offering to high schools and colleges across Canada Environmental Distance Learning, using videoconference technology.

Offered as part of this new service, the educational activity “A Change in the Air” focuses on the very latest scientific information about air and climate, the impacts on Canada and its regions, and what we can do about it. The general objective of the activity is to make students more aware and proactive concerning their environment.

Target Audience: High School and College Students Duration: 50 to 75 minutes

Project Description Outlines of Subject Matter In Class Post Videoconference Activity Pedagogic Objectives Requirements and availability

Professional development and education opportunities in the environment industry of Canada

Professional development and education opportunities in the environment industry of Canada: "The Canadian Centre for Environmental Education offers education and training related to the professional development and certification of members of the environmental professions. It features: * Distance-delivered Certificate Program in Environmental Practice * Links to environmental career services and professional recognition products * Database of Canadian post-secondary environmental programs (2007 launch) ECO Canada and Royal Roads University are responding to the needs of the environmental sector with the creation of this Centre on a number of levels."

Alberta outdoor ed materials online

Free education materials available from Sustainable Resource Development Alberta Sustainable Resource Development announces the release of the new Outdoors It’s Yours! activity book. Containing over twenty activities, the book is designed to help instill a sense of stewardship within Alberta’s youth between the ages of six and twelve by promoting the appreciation and responsible use of our public lands, forests, fish and wildlife. http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/aboutus/education.aspx

Tunza International Children's Conference on the Environment

Stavanger, Norway 17-21 June 2008

Theme: A Climate for change

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will be organizing its Tunza International Children's Conference on the Environment in Stavanger, Norway from 17 to 21 June 2008. It will bring together 1,000 children aged 10 to 14 years, to learn about the environment through plenary sessions, hands-on workshops and field trips. The Conference will increase the children's understanding of environmental issues by providing them with a forum to share experiences and collectively voice their concerns for the environment. The themes of the Conference include, Energy, Bio-diversity, Resources and water. For more information on the Conference, and to submit a nomination from your organization please visit our website: http://www.unep.org/tunza/children/events/icc_2008/ For those who are unable to apply on-line, please complete the attached nomination form and submit to the address given below. (See attached file: conference nomination form.doc) For further information on the conference, please contact: The Children and Youth / Sport and the Environment Unit Division of Communications and Public Information United Nations Environment Programme P.O. Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 -20- 762 3937 / 762 5066, Fax: +254 -20-762 3927/ 762 4350 Email: children.youth@unep.org .

EASY TO UNDERSTAND ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND EE DESCRIPTIONS POSTED

EASY TO UNDERSTAND ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND EE DESCRIPTIONS POSTED

Environmental educators usually have a difficult time explaining environmental literacy and environmental education to the average person or decision maker. You will often see the glazed over and confused look appear on the person’s face after the first few words are spoken:

“EE is a learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action.”

While this definition may be understandable to some, most people would not have a clue about what it means.

To make it easier for the field to explain what it does and why it’s important, EETAP worked with a writer and several EE leaders to develop easily understandable descriptions that connect directly with people’s lives. These descriptions are now posted on the EETAP web. The section, titled Education and Environmental Literacy is divided into 4 sections:

· What is Environmental Literacy?

· What is Environmental Education?

· How EE and Educational Achievement Are Linked, and

· FAQs about environmental literacy and education.

The first three sections feature easy to understand descriptions of the topics listed. Also included are descriptions of what environmental literacy looks like, EE “done right”, and resources for further reading.

To view the pages click on the link below and then pass your cursor over “Education and Environmental Literacy” on the navigation bar. When the drop down menu appears click on the topic of interest.

http://www.eetap.org/

We hope you will find the descriptions and resources useful. Please send your comments, suggestions, and additional resources to consider listing on the site to: gmedina@niagaradsl.com